Lovely Time Interviewing Cami Lovely

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use her name as a pun, but getting to know Cami truly has been lovely. I’m consistently amazed at the willingness of the creative community to show interest in young people trying to get into the business. Cami is the perfect example of this. I’ve appreciated her keen eye for design details and her positive outlook on the industry. So give it up for Cami, joining Cassie Medema in representing the XX chromosome pair on Brenni Fresh Creative.

Introducing: Cami Lovely, Graphic Designer at HenkinSchultz

Tell us about your path to this point.

After starting out as a bio major and switching to graphic design – and college-hopping from Drake to USD to SDSU, I graduated from SDSU with a bachelor of science degree in graphic design in 1997. Right out of college I started as a graphic designer/video editor/set designer/marketing assistant at KSFY-TV. I was there for about a year and a half. In 1998 I started at HenkinSchultz and have enjoyed 11 years of designing with a fun team.

What are your ambitions/goals?

I want to keep growing as a designer – start my own trends. I want to take in all that is cool and new and keep up with changing times. I want to learn from other designers, new and seasoned.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

My first direction in college was medical illustration. I was going to draw body parts!  I also tried art teacher and occupational therapist. But I landed in graphic design and haven’t looked back.

Who or what influences you?

I look to architecture, sculpture, art history – I enjoy Degas and Renoir. Close to home – past professors, past bosses & my son. Mike Hay, fellow designer, ADwerker.

Favorite and least favorite typeface?

I’ve always liked Clarendon, and I like Blue Highway. I really don’t like the Shelley fonts.

Best part about the industry?

Getting away with goofy, day-to-day antics. Where else can all the employees stop what they’re doing, line up in front of the windows facing a flag and start singing the national anthem. Also, random flash mobs!

Worst part about the industry?

Time constraints

What advice do you have for up and coming designers?

If you are trying to come up with a new concept, it’s good to look at current design magazines for inspiration. But most of the strong trends you see in those magazines come from art history. It’s good to do research so your design is strong.

If you could wake up and only check one website, what would it be?

Lately I’ve been checking The Dieline. Cool package design.

High point of your career/ favorite piece of work?

I had a great time in Toronto at a broadcast design seminar. Learned so much! It’s just interesting to see my career unfold and experiences build. It’s always changing. I know there’s more to come.

One thing you wish you would have done to prepare yourself for your career?

It’s important to know how to deal with many different personalities – clients and co-workers alike. You need to know how to get what you need from people in order to get your work done.